Our top three portable jump starters
Before buying: confirm your vehicle’s battery voltage, chemistry, approved jump points and engine size. Check the seller’s exact hardware revision and charging accessories.
NOCO Boost X GBX45
The best balance in this shortlist at the checked prices: useful engine coverage and fast USB-C PD charging for a modest premium over the GB40. Choose the GB70 when you need its larger-engine rating.
A portable jump starter can save you waiting for another car when a compatible starting battery goes flat. But the useful choice is the one you can connect correctly, keep charged and store safely—not simply the pack with the largest number on its box.
Our three picks cover everyday value, faster charging and larger engines. All use an internal lithium battery, but their jump-start function is intended for compatible 12V lead-acid vehicle batteries. Those are two different things.
The short answer
Choose the NOCO Boost X GBX45 for the best all-round balance, the GB40 to spend less, or the GB70 for larger engines. At the prices checked, the GBX45 costs $36 more than the GB40. Its charging convenience and broader engine guidance make that a worthwhile upgrade for many buyers.
The original GB40 and GB70 remain on the list. We have added the GBX45 because it offers a meaningful third choice, and corrected the old blanket claim that the GB40 and GB70 use only Micro-USB.
Compare the three picks
| Model | Published peak output | Engine guidance: up to | Charging distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GBX45 | 1,250A | 6.5L petrol / 4.0L diesel | USB-C PD up to 60W |
| NOCO GB40 | 1,000A | 6.0L petrol / 3.0L diesel | Current spec: 5V USB-C; older stock: Micro-USB |
| NOCO GB70 | 2,000A | 8.0L petrol / 6.0L diesel | 12V XGC input; USB port varies by revision |
Engine limits are manufacturer guidance, not guaranteed starts. Battery condition, temperature, pack charge and connections affect the outcome. Peak output is not the same measurement as a vehicle battery’s cold-cranking amps.
How we chose
This is a research-based comparison of manufacturer specifications, operating guidance and Australian purchase listings. We have not conducted hands-on cranking, cold-weather or battery-endurance tests. Our recommendations reflect suitability and value, rather than a claimed test victory.
This is a focused NOCO shortlist, not proof that one brand beats every competitor. The three models give buyers clear differences in purchase cost, charging and engine coverage. Amazon Australia and eBay Australia were checked first; suitable Amazon listings could not be verified. The purchase links use verified eBay listings or an Australian retailer.
NOCO Boost X GBX45
A useful upgrade without jumping to the largest pack.
Checked listing: $212 AUD. Etail Australia on eBay.
The GBX45 is our overall choice when its price remains close to the GB40. It suits a buyer who wants a compact emergency pack but values a convenient recharge before the next trip. That matters more in daily ownership than an impressive headline number you rarely use.
Its USB-C Power Delivery input and output support up to 60W. NOCO’s listed box contents include a USB-C cable, but not a wall power adapter. Budget for suitable manufacturer-approved charging equipment if you do not already have it; a basic phone charger will not deliver the maximum charging rate.
It still needs a compatible vehicle and careful use. The Boost X starting window has a 60-second timer; that is not permission to crank the engine continuously for a minute. Follow the unit’s guide and the vehicle’s cranking limits.
Reasons to choose it
- USB-C PD charging is convenient for regular trip preparation.
- Broader engine guidance than the GB40.
- A modest price step at the listings checked.
What to consider
- Fast charging requires appropriate equipment.
- Not enough engine coverage for every large diesel.
- Useful only if charged and stored within its limits.
Best for: Drivers wanting the best balance of charging convenience, engine coverage and price.
NOCO Boost GB40
Spend less when your vehicle fits comfortably within its rating.
Checked listing: $176 AUD. Auto 8 on eBay.
The GB40 is the sensible value option for a household that wants an occasional emergency pack for a compatible petrol car or smaller diesel. It saves money without forcing you into an unfamiliar product with vague compatibility information.
Its limits matter. If your diesel sits at the top of its guidance and you travel remotely or in cold conditions, consider a model with more headroom. A higher-rated pack is not a cure for a faulty battery or starter motor, however.
The charging criticism in the previous article needed updating. NOCO now lists USB-C input for the GB40, while older Micro-USB stock remains relevant. The supplied photo shows earlier genuine label artwork. Ask the seller which revision will arrive rather than relying on a generic image or model name.
Reasons to choose it
- Lowest checked purchase price in this shortlist.
- Clear petrol and diesel engine guidance.
- Practical choice for occasional everyday-car use.
What to consider
- Less diesel headroom than the other two picks.
- Older and newer charging revisions can be mixed in listings.
- The small saving may not outweigh the GBX45 upgrade.
Best for: Buyers whose vehicle fits its guidance and who prioritise a lower upfront cost.
NOCO Boost HD GB70
Choose its engine capability because you need it.
Checked listing: $410.85 AUD. Voltage Electrical Supplies.
The GB70 is the step-up for compatible larger diesels and petrol engines. For a household with a large 4WD or ute, the extra coverage can be more relevant than the convenience of a smaller pack. Check the actual engine and battery system; a vehicle badge alone does not establish compatibility.
NOCO lists a 56Wh internal battery and a weight of approximately 1.9kg. Its 12V XGC output can run suitable accessories, and the 12V XGC input offers another charging route. Confirm accessories and their ratings before planning to use it as a camping power source.
Current NOCO specifications also list USB-C input, so it is inaccurate to describe every GB70 as Micro-USB-only. This is still not the GBX45’s 60W USB-C PD system. The photo shows earlier genuine artwork; confirm the supplied version with the retailer.
At the checked price it is a substantial jump in cost. For a small petrol car, the money is usually better kept for battery maintenance, replacement or roadside cover.
Reasons to choose it
- Widest engine guidance of these three models.
- Useful 12V accessory output for compatible loads.
- Larger internal battery than the compact picks.
What to consider
- Higher cost and more bulk to store.
- Still requires a lift and accessible jump points.
- Charging revision and included cables need checking.
Best for: Owners of compatible larger engines who can justify the additional cost and size.
Start with compatibility, not peak amps
Before comparing deals, find the battery voltage and chemistry in your vehicle documentation. A lithium battery inside the jump pack does not make it suitable for jump-starting a lithium vehicle battery. These shortlisted units are specified for 12V lead-acid batteries.
Next, check petrol or diesel capacity against the model guidance. A pack’s petrol limit cannot be applied to a diesel engine. Allow a practical margin if you are near a limit, but do not confuse that margin with a guarantee of starting in every condition.
Finally, locate the vehicle-approved connection points. Batteries hidden in a boot or under a seat may have designated remote terminals. Make sure the leads can reach without stretching, crushing or passing close to moving parts.
Which buyer should choose which model?
| Your situation | Starting point | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional use for an ordinary petrol car | GB40 for value | Compatibility, charging revision and terminal access |
| You want easier, faster recharging | GBX45 | Suitable USB-C PD charging equipment |
| A larger diesel exceeds the compact models’ guidance | GB70, if within its rating | Engine size, 12V system and battery condition |
| 24V truck, lithium auxiliary system or uncertain chemistry | None by default | The equipment manufacturer’s explicit requirements |
Safe use starts before you connect
Do not boost a damaged or frozen battery. Stop with swelling, leakage, heat, unusual odour or damaged equipment. Wear eye protection, work with ventilation and keep sparks and flames away. Use roadside assistance if anything is unclear.
Read both manuals before an emergency. Confirm the approved jump points and connection order, secure the vehicle, switch off unnecessary loads and keep leads clear of belts and fans. Wait for the correct ready indication, observe the specified cranking and rest periods, then switch off and disconnect as instructed after starting.
Manual override removes safety protections. It is not a routine solution to an error light or a pack that will not detect a battery. Do not use it when voltage, chemistry, polarity or battery condition is uncertain. The GBX45 user guide explains its limitations and warnings.
Can you leave a jump starter in a hot car?
A pack is convenient in the car, but permanent hot-car storage is a poor assumption. The ACCC advises keeping lithium-ion products cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, and says not to leave them in hot places such as parked vehicles.
Plan how you will carry and store the pack within its manufacturer’s conditions. A boot or glovebox is not automatically cool enough. Bring it into suitable indoor storage when the vehicle will get hot, rather than assuming a case or shaded compartment solves the problem.
Allow the pack to cool after use before recharging. Stop using a unit that is swollen, damaged, leaking, venting or overheating. Follow the ACCC lithium-ion battery guidance and the exact product manual.
Keep it ready without wasting its reserve
Check charge before trips and recharge after use. Follow the model’s maintenance schedule rather than trusting a universal claim that a pack stays ready for a whole year. Store the correct cable with it and make sure everyone who may use it understands the controls.
A phone-power function is useful, but using your emergency starter as the everyday family power bank can leave less reserve when you need the car. Decide which job matters most and recharge accordingly.
Keep the pack secure during travel and accessible when the vehicle has no power. Check whether an electrically operated boot can be opened manually before putting all your emergency equipment inside it.
Jump starter, charger or roadside assistance?
A jump starter provides temporary starting assistance. A suitable battery charger or maintainer is for restoring or maintaining battery charge over time. Buying one does not automatically replace the other.
If the car needs repeated boosts, arrange battery and charging-system testing. Slow cranking and warning lights deserve attention; carrying a larger pack does not repair a deteriorated battery, failed starter or electrical drain.
Roadside assistance remains useful when a stop is unsafe, the procedure is uncertain or the car has another fault. RACV advises following the vehicle manual because incorrect jump-starting can affect electrical systems. Do not treat one successful start as evidence that the car is now reliable.
Before you pay
- Confirm 12V lead-acid compatibility and the engine rating.
- Check lead reach to the approved jump points.
- Ask which charging revision is being supplied.
- Check included cables, charger requirements and the final delivered price.
- Choose an Australian seller with clear contact and return details.
- Plan storage that avoids excessive heat.
- Read the manual before the first roadside emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GB40 still worth buying?
Yes, when its rating suits your vehicle and its price is meaningfully lower. At the checked prices, the GBX45 is close enough to deserve consideration before choosing purely on cost.
Do all GB40 and GB70 units use Micro-USB?
No. NOCO’s current specifications list USB-C for both. Older stock and photos exist, so confirm the charging connection and supplied cable with the seller.
Does USB-C always mean fast charging?
No. The connector shape and power capability are separate. The GBX45 supports USB-C PD up to 60W; the current GB40 and GB70 USB inputs have lower power ratings.
Can these jump-start an EV or hybrid?
Do not assume compatibility. Check the exact vehicle’s low-voltage battery type, voltage and approved procedure. Never connect a jump pack to the high-voltage traction system. Ask the vehicle maker or roadside assistance if the manual is unclear.
Will they start a completely dead battery?
Not necessarily. Low voltage may prevent automatic detection, and a failed battery may be unsuitable or unsafe to boost. Manual override removes protections; it is not a guarantee of a successful start.
Does IP65 make them waterproof?
No. An ingress rating is not permission to immerse a pack or use wet charging connections. Follow the manual’s dry-use requirements and keep port covers closed when appropriate.
Which is best for remote travel?
Choose a model with suitable engine coverage, but also plan charge checks, heat-safe storage and a backup means of getting help. A pack cannot fix mechanical faults or replace a reliable vehicle battery.
Our final recommendation
The NOCO Boost X GBX45 is our overall pick at the checked prices. Its faster charging capability and useful engine guidance justify the modest step above the GB40 for many drivers.
Buy the GB40 for value, or the GB70 for its larger-engine capability. Neither needs replacing simply because another model has a newer charging system. Match the pack to the vehicle, keep it ready and investigate the cause of repeated flat batteries.
Sources and price checks
- NOCO GB40: current specifications and USB-C input
- NOCO GB70: current specifications and engine guidance
- NOCO GBX45: specifications and box contents
- NOCO GBX45: operating guidance
- NOCO GBX45: user guide and safety warnings
- NOCO GB70: charging, override and port-cover guidance
- eBay Australia: Auto 8 GB40 listing
- eBay Australia: Etail Australia GBX45 listing
- Voltage Electrical Supplies: GB70 listing
- ACCC Product Safety: lithium-ion storage and handling
- RACV: battery care and jump-start precautions
Price check: 18 September 2026. Australian listed prices: GB40 $176 at Auto 8 on eBay; GBX45 $212 at Etail Australia on eBay; GB70 $410.85 at Voltage Electrical Supplies. All three listings reported availability when checked. Delivery, stock and prices can change; confirm your postcode, exact hardware revision and checkout total. Retailer photos may show earlier label artwork.
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